From the author of

From the author of

Martial arts and fighting is a big part of many 3D animated projects. Many
games are specifically about fighting, and most action movies incorporate some
form of martial arts. Animating any type of high-action fighting, whether it
be for games of features, can be one of the more difficult tasks an animator
will ever face. Martial arts is an excellent example of the human body in motion.

Posing for Martial Arts

Posing a fighting character will usually keep the character coiled and ready
to strike or move out of the way at a moment's notice. A character involved
in a fight is always ready for the unexpected.

For the body to be ready, the fighter will usually keep the knees bent,
placing the hips lower than normal. Bending the knees stores energy, much like a
coiled snake. It also gives the fighter more options—straightening out the
leg allows the fighter to quickly jump, and bending the leg allows him to
quickly duck. If the legs were straight, for example, the fighter would need to
bend his knees before jumping, wasting valuable time.

The fighter also uses his arms as defense. Boxers, for example almost always
keep both arms raised, to deflect any blows to the face and the upper body.
Bending the arms also keeps them coiled and ready to throw a quick punch.